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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Frequency Response:
±.2 dB of RIAA, 10 Hz to 60kHz; 3 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 300 kHz.
Distortion:
Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output.
Gain:
Selectable 51 dB (Low) and 73 dB (High) at 1kHz BAL; 45 dB (Low) and 67 dB (High) at 1kHz SE. (MC and MM compatible).
Input Impedance:
47k Ohms and 100 pF SE. Selectable loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 Ohms, and Custom.
Output Impedance:
400 ohms Balanced, 200 ohms SE. Recommended load 50k-100k Ohms and 100 pF. (10k Ohms minimum and 2000 pF maximum).
Output Polarity:
Non-inverting.
Phono Equalization:
(selectable) RIAA, Columbia, and Decca.
Maximum Input:
250 mV RMS at 1kHz (680 mV RMS at 10kHz) - Low Gain.
Rated Outputs:
2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
Controls:
6 Push Buttons: Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute.
Power Supplies:
Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 2 minute warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
Noise:
0.28 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted. Shorted (Low Gain) input (71 dB below 1mV 1kHz input). 0.082 µV equivalent input noise (High Gain). (62 dB below 0.1 mV 1kHz input).
Tube Complement:
(6)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE and 6H30P in power supply.
Power Requirements:
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts.
Dimensions:
Width 19” (48 cm)
Height 7.8” (19.8 cm)
Depth 16.5” (41.9 cm)
Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front panel.
Weight:
36.5 lbs. (16.6 kg) Net; 53 lbs. (24 kg) Shipping.
REFERENCE PHONO 3
VACUUM TUBE PHONO PREAMPLIFIER
When Audio Research was founded in 1970, analog vinyl playback was the de facto music source of the time. Audio Research has either incorporated or built stand-alone phono stages since the very beginning, and has continuously provided phono preamplification, even during the height of digital music. The Reference Phono 3 is the next advancement of analog playback.
The Reference Phono 3 is a continuation of the work which has been evolving other components in the Audio Research Reference Series over the past year. In mid-2015, all of the amplifiers received significant performance enhancements with the SE updates - new output tubes, components, and other parts ushered in a new level of sonic accuracy and musicality. This exposed a need for higher resolution and dynamic capabilities in components upstream from the amplifiers, and in October 2015 the Reference 6 was introduced. The Reference Phono 3 is the next step in our pursuit of musical realism.
Like the Reference 6, the tube count in the analog section Reference Phono 3 has been increased from four to six. The power supply has been redesigned to accomodate the additional tubes, as well as provide a greater dynamic range. Numerous other components and parts, including proprietary coupling capacitors, wiring and cryogenically-treated pieces advance the playback experience to a level reminiscent of master tape playback for a realism and palpability previously unavailable.
The Reference Phono 3 phono preamplifier is housed in a single chassis paneled in custom-machined aluminum. The vacuum tube audio stage utilizes six 6H30 vacuum tubes (three per channel), and one 6H30 and a 6550WE provide regulation in the power supply. The large, vacuum fluorescent display on the front panel shows all functions relative to the selected input. A row of six buttons control power, mute, input, and menu controls. Menu functions include: auto shutdown, gain and load settings, display brightness, equalization settings, and tube hour reset. High and low gain settings, as well as six fixed and one custom impedance setting, accomodate most any moving magnet or moving coil cartridge. Two single-ended inputs provide connectivity to two turntables. There are two main outputs providing both balanced and single-ended outputs. RS-232 and IR input allow for additional control options. The Reference Phono 3 ships with a full-function metal remote.
Introduced in the spring of 1998, the REF2 received a continuous stream of accolades from around the world. True to its name, it became the reference line-stage preamplifier, purchased new by a thousand music lovers and coveted by thousands more. With the MKII version having been introduced in 2000, it is time to push the performance envelope once again. We are proud to introduce the all new REFERENCE 3 line-stage preamplifier.
"Breakthrough" is an overused term, but it is the most fitting word to describe the REF3. As you can probably imagine, it is difficult to write about a new product like this without sounding clichéd, but the REF3 is so good that it is startling when you hear it in your system. How is its presentation superior to the great products that have preceded it? Simply, in every way. The REF3 is more musically transparent. It presents an immense soundstage that makes everything else sound one-dimensional. Voices and instruments have real body and weight, with pinpoint focus. The deep, powerful bass is fast, articulate, and controlled. It possesses a dynamic swing that is breathtaking. And, most importantly, there is a directness and immediacy that connects the listener with the performance. The results are simply thrilling.
Externally the same dimensions as its predecessors, the REF3 is new inside and out. The front panel marries the classic Audio Research look with a modern display and intuitive controls that will be appreciated. In the middle of the panel is a large display which can show the volume level (numerically and via line graph), input, and operating status (including BAL/SE, Mute, Mono, and Phase). Flanking the display are two knobs which control volume and input. Under the display are four soft touch switches controlling Power, Processor input, BAL/SE, and Mute. The remote controls all front panel functions plus the balance control, and also a display readout of the number of operating hours the vacuum tubes have been in service! It will be easy to integrate the REF3 with system controllers from companies like Crestron or AMX. Inputs are direct access, and there are discreet codes for power on/off, processor on/off, etc.
The rear panel is the same as the REF2 except for the deletion of the tape monitor input. The REF3 does not have the ability to listen to one source while taping another. Also, the IEC connector for the removable power cord has changed from 15A to 20A.
The remarkable level of performance has been achieved with all new audio and power supply circuits. There are four new circuit boards and two new transformers. The new audio circuit is pure tube, Class-A, with zero feedback, utilizing a total of four long-life 6H30 twin triodes. FETs are used for constant-current sources (outside the single path), and the analog circutry uses a long-tailed pair input stage to provide the same performance in either single-ended or balanced operation. Total gain is 12dB balanced, 6dB single-ended. The hybrid power supply has over 50% greater energy storage that its predecessors, greatly contributing to its tremendous dynamic capability. There are other improvements which can be seen on the bench and appreciated in the listening room. Bandwidth has increased from 60kHz to 200kHz; noise has been reduced by 12dB; headroom is much higher, with the maximum input increased to 20V balanced, and distortion has been lowered by 40%. The advancements of the REF3 are both audible and measurable. As you would expect, older REF preamps cannot be updated to the REF3.
It will be easy to hear and see how the REF3 extends the boundaries of preamplifier design. With its great build quality, versatility and the ability to musically transform every system, the REF3 also represents great value. Building upon the foundation of its famed predecessors, the REF3 will be a resounding success. Call your Audio Research dealer to schedule a personal audition.
